Many of us Texas Tech fans know the legitimate quality of the Big 12...and apparently that doesn't stack up to the likes of the ACC, Big 10, and especially the SEC. But is the ranking committee really that down on Big 12 teams? Let's see...

The top four teams this opening week are Clemson, LSU, Ohio State and Alabama. Yeah, that's right, the one-loss team via Tuscaloosa got the fourth spot. How? Apparently, all of this comes down to "strength of schedule."

The Big 12 isn't getting any nods yet, because the schedules for the likes of Baylor, TCU, and even Oklahoma State are so, as many sportscasters called them, "back-loaded" with the hard stuff. Think about it: Baylor still has to play Oklahoma at home, Oklahoma State in Stillwater, and TCU in Ft. Worth. In fact, Oklahoma State has the 2nd hardest schedule from here on out. If Mike Gundy can do big things with the Pokes, you could, without a doubt, see orange and black in the playoffs. TCU has the 22nd-hardest schedule from this point forward, so if they can muster up some magic, they'll be right there too.

Either way, this week alone seems like a gut punch to the Big 12, but I don't see any reason to worry.

LSU and Alabama will square off this weekend, so that matchup will (partially) sort some things out. Clemson also has to play Florida State, who needs no explanation as to why they're dangerous. Ohio State might cruise by Minnesota, but if I were to bet on a current top-four team to not make it through the rest of the year, it'd be Ohio State.

Bottom line: there's plenty of football left to be played, so Big 12 advocates, don't fret just yet.

You can see the entire rankings list here.

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